A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Due to the nature of the incident, residual delays are expected so passengers are urged to check their journey ahead of time via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

"We are sorry for any disruption and we'd like to thank passengers for their patience today."

The tractor was said to have breached the boundary of a nearby field late on Wednesday evening.

The tractor has now been removed from the line at Fitzwilliam, but trains have been disrupted, delayed and cancelled throughout the day.